This zesty ginger-soy tofu noodle salad is the cold noodle bowl I start making the first warm week of spring — chewy udon, smoky teriyaki tofu, cucumbers, and carrots in a sharp ginger-soy dressing. Thirty minutes, one pot for the noodles, and lunch or dinner is handled, including tomorrow's. The dressing is the kind you will want to put on everything after this.
Craving a vibrant, flavor-packed meal that’s ready in under 30 minutes? This zesty Ginger-Soy Tofu Noodle Salad is your new weeknight hero! It’s a wonderfully simple dish that combines chewy noodles, protein-rich tofu, and crisp, fresh vegetables, all tossed in a mouthwatering homemade sauce. Perfect for a quick dinner, a healthy lunch, or even a potluck, this recipe is as versatile as it is delicious.
Ingredients
• 8 ounces / 225 g (7.9 oz) dried udon or whole wheat linguine
• 12 to 16 ounces / 340 to 450 g (15.9 oz) smoked teriyaki-flavor or plain firm tofu, cut into ½-inch pieces
• 1 ½ cups / 215 g (7.6 oz) chopped cucumber
• 1 large carrot, cut into bite-size pieces
• ½ cup / 50 g (1.76 oz) sliced green onions
• For the Ginger-Soy Sauce
• 2 tablespoons / 30 ml (1 fl oz) rice vinegar or cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon / 15 ml (0.5 fl oz) toasted sesame oil
• 2 teaspoons / 10 ml (0.3 fl oz) reduced-sodium soy sauce
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon / 5 g (0.18 oz) grated fresh ginger
• ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
Instructions
1. First, prepare the Ginger-Soy Sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together the rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, reduced-sodium soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, and crushed red pepper flakes. Set aside to let the flavors meld.
2. Cook the pasta in a large pot of boiling, lightly salted water according to the package directions. Once cooked al dente, drain it well and immediately return it to the warm pot. Cover to keep warm.
3. While the pasta cooks, combine the cubed tofu, chopped cucumber, carrot pieces, and sliced green onions in a large serving bowl.
4. Add the warm, drained pasta to the bowl with the tofu and vegetables. Drizzle the prepared Ginger-Soy Sauce over everything and toss gently until all the are evenly coated. Serve immediately or chilled.
Nutritional Information
• (per serving)
• Calories: 231
• Total Fat: 4 g
• Saturated Fat: 0 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg
• Sodium: 571 mg
• Carbohydrates: 39 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 7 g
Pro Tips
• This salad is fantastic served cold, making it a perfect make-ahead option for lunches or picnics. Simply toss everything together and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
• Feel free to customize with other fresh vegetables. Thinly sliced bell peppers, edamame, shredded red cabbage, or bean sprouts would all be delicious additions.
• For an extra layer of texture and flavor, garnish the finished dish with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or chopped peanuts.
• If you prefer a spicier kick, increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or add a swirl of sriracha to the sauce.
FAQ
Q: How can I add more protein to this tofu noodle salad
A: To easily boost the protein content, consider adding 1 cup (240 ml) of shelled edamame along with the other vegetables. You can also increase the amount of tofu used or garnish the finished salad with a generous sprinkle of chopped peanuts or toasted sesame seeds for extra protein and crunch.
Q: Can I make this noodle salad gluten-free
A: Absolutely. To make this recipe gluten-free, simply swap the udon or linguine for a gluten-free noodle like rice noodles or 100% buckwheat soba noodles. You will also need to use a gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce for the dressing.
Q: What other protein can I use besides tofu
A: If you’re not a fan of tofu or want to try something different, this salad is delicious with a cup of shelled edamame or chickpeas. For a non-vegan vegetarian option, crumbled tempeh or seitan would also work well as a protein source.
Q: How long does this vegetarian noodle salad last in the fridge
A: This salad is perfect for meal prep. When stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, it will stay fresh and flavorful for up to 3 days. The flavors of the ginger-soy sauce will meld beautifully over time, making it a great make-ahead lunch option.
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Zesty Ginger-Soy Tofu Noodle Salad
Ingredients
Method
- First, prepare the Ginger-Soy Sauce.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, reduced-sodium soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, and crushed red pepper flakes.
- Set aside to let the flavors meld.
- Cook the pasta in a large pot of boiling, lightly salted water according to the package directions.
- Once cooked al dente, drain it well and immediately return it to the warm pot.
- Cover to keep warm.
- While the pasta cooks, combine the cubed tofu, chopped cucumber, carrot pieces, and sliced green onions in a large serving bowl.
- Add the warm, drained pasta to the bowl with the tofu and vegetables.
- Drizzle the prepared Ginger-Soy Sauce over everything and toss gently until all the are evenly coated.
- Serve immediately or chilled.
